1
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness
the nervy waiter held up the small tip and called out to the departing customers, "Hope it doesn't break the bank!"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks
nervy rock climbers wanting to make gravity-defying ascents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in nervous
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
I'm a little nervy about my first job interview
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of nervy
The times have seldom been more hostile toward political mythmaking as nervy as this, or blockbuster intelligence of this scale.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Speculation continues about the future ownership of ITV, which has been pursued by the likes of RedBird IMI and Banijay, and producers remain nervy about how things will shake out.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 July 2025
Philip – who currently plays on the PGA Tour Americas circuit – is competing in just his second US Open and his first since missing the cut at the 2018 tournament, which is why making a nervy 5-footer for par at his last hole early on Saturday to make the cut for the weekend meant the world to him.
—Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 14 June 2025
Black Bag succeeds on its style and chilly wit, and on the cool, nervy appeal of its two stars.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Speculation continues about the future ownership of ITV, which has been pursued by the likes of RedBird IMI and Banijay, and producers remain nervy about how things will shake out.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 July 2025
Philip – who currently plays on the PGA Tour Americas circuit – is competing in just his second US Open and his first since missing the cut at the 2018 tournament, which is why making a nervy 5-footer for par at his last hole early on Saturday to make the cut for the weekend meant the world to him.
—Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 14 June 2025
Black Bag succeeds on its style and chilly wit, and on the cool, nervy appeal of its two stars.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
Adjective
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In other hands, this would cue a standard disease-of-the-week weepie, but Coixet keeps the tone lightly wistful and wise, and trains her attention ever more minutely on Rohrwacher, who along with her character, seems to blossom gradually under this steady gaze.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
13 Oct. 2025
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Point guard James Harden had a quiet night scoring-wise with five points, but handed out 11 assists.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But when adventurous Milo comes into town, Prudence finds an unlikely friend with benefits.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
-
The Penguins probably could’ve gone more adventurous.—
The Athletic NHL Staff,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Each new round of tariffs rattles markets and makes investors more nervous about what the White House might do next.—
Veronique De Rugy,
Oc Register,
17 Oct. 2025
-
When Wright first reached out to Hall, Hall was nervous about working with the shelter.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Many of the illustrations feature kids Offerman knows in real life, in cheeky scenarios that will make readers look twice.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
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Try a present that doubles as a date night, like an espresso martini kit or cheeky card game.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Glamour,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The show runs a daring 90 minutes with no intermission and aims to excite audiences throughout.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Oct. 2025
-
As time went on, Gatlin became more daring.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
During a ten-minute break, Heidi was worried.—
Joe Garcia,
New Yorker,
12 Oct. 2025
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Midwest The Upper Midwest is the only area that has some potential for minor travel delays, but the Farmer’s Almanac isn’t too worried.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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That connection—spiritual, communal, and generational—anchors Portrait, Joy’s third studio album and her boldest statement yet.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
12 Oct. 2025
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Alex Iniguez Our NHL staff shared one bold prediction for each team.—
Sam Settleman,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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That conviction comes alive across Portrait, a lush and fearless record co-produced by veteran trumpeter Brian Lynch.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
12 Oct. 2025
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This was a fearless and courageous person.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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